Detroit pitcher urges MLB to add ‘more protective measures’ after fan gets hit

Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander called on Major League Baseball to extend the protective netting behind home plate "before it's too late."

A female fan was hit by a foul ball during the eighth inning of Friday night's game between Tigers and Texas Rangers in Detroit.

"It seems like something happens once a game, where a ball just misses a fan and, inevitably, it's always small kids or women, you know," Verlander said after the Tigers' 2-0 loss, according to ESPN.com. "It's just something that needs to be looked at, and hopefully it doesn't get to the point where something really serious happens before there's an adjustment made."

Verlander later took to Twitter to urge changes immediately.

"More protective measures need to be put in place in all ball parks! Players are sick of seeing injuries that could easily be avoided!" Verlander tweeted. "I hope the fan tonight is okay! #getwellsoon @MLB should make changes before it's too late. #dontwaittoolate"

The fan, sitting behind the home team dugout, was hit by a ball off the bat of Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose. A team spokesperson said the fan was treated by first aid at Comerica Park and transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital for further evaluations and X-rays.

Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos also called for enhanced safety measures.

"Nets need to go up all around baseball, without a doubt," Castellanos said. "Even in minor league stadiums. I remember in West Michigan, on field trip days, I've seen kids get hit. I've seen multiple fans get hit, and I don't know what the cause is — why they haven't done it yet, but for the safety of the fans, I think it's necessary. If today doesn't get nets up, what is it going to take?"